Second Beach and New Brighton pools to stay open an extra two weeks after record season

August 31 2017

“With the long range forecast calling for more sun, we’re decided to extend the season at Second Beach and New Brighton pools until September 17,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair Michael Wiebe.

The Vancouver Park Board is extending the season at two outdoor pools after a record season!

“With the long range forecast calling for more sun, we’re decided to extend the season at Second Beach and New Brighton pools until September 17,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair Michael Wiebe. “This is the first time that both pools have had their season extended at the same time and we hope residents and visitors take advantage of it.”

20 percent increase in visitors

Kitsilano, Second Beach, New Brighton and Maple Grove pools saw more than 260,000 visitors since late May, a 20 percent increase over last year thanks to a hot summer.

Kitsilano and Maple Grove pools will close after Labour Day. Lifeguards also stop patrolling beaches after the long weekend.

Kitsilano Pool upgrades

Kitsilano Pool typically stays open until mid-September, but is closing early to allow upgrades, which require dry weather.

The pool’s basin membrane will be replaced and its deck renovated. Improvements to the pool pumps will improve the salt-water swimming experience and reduce greenhouse gases and the potable water needed to maintain the pool level.

Water parks open until October 1

Water parks will remain open until October 1 and are another great (and free) way for children to cool off.

Consultation on future of aquatic facilities

Also this fall, the Park Board will launch the final round of public consultation for VanSplash (Park Board's Aquatic Strategy), with recommendations for an updated vision for aquatics across Vancouver. Staff will ask for feedback on innovative ideas for new and renewed aquatic facilities and experiences.

Plans call for a new outdoor pool in south Vancouver and a new destination training pool next to Kitsilano Community Centre in Connaught Park.

Innovative ideas both large and small are also on the table such as a natural pool by the Fraser River similar to the Webber Pool in Minneapolis and adding hot tubs to outdoor pools.

The Park Board and City are also currently studying the feasibility of a floating pool in False Creek, similar to the one in Berlin’s Spree River.

The second round of the VanSplash consultation begins September 18 with a survey and two open houses at Killarney Community Centre on September 27 and Hillcrest Community Centre on September 30. The first round of consultation began last year and received 4,500 responses from across Vancouver.

The recommendations from the final city-wide aquatics consultation will be considered by the Park Board by the end of the year.